Great Barrier Reef is the World's largest marine park and stretches over 3000km (1800 miles) along the Queensland coast from Lady Elliot Island, off the coast of Bundaberg, up past the tip of Cape York. It is one of the most visited regions in Australia

Great Barrier Reef is between 15Km and 150Km off shore and around 65 Km wide in places. It is made up of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays and covers an area larger than the U.K.

1500 Species of Tropical Fish

Great Barrier Reef originated during the last ice age when the continental shelf was exposed creating a band of beaches, dunes and 'barrier islands'. As the ice melted the seal level rose and created the perfect conditions for reef colonisers to start coral formation. Over millions of years the world's largest collection of corals, coral sponges, molluscs and seaweed has been created. This is the ideal environment for over 1500 species of tropical fish, giant clams, rays, over 200 types of birds and over 20 types of reptiles including sea turtles.

Great Barrier Reef is also the habitat of several endangered species including The Large Green Sea Turtle and Dugong (Sea Cow) and is also a breeding area for humpback whales, migrating from the Antarctic . In recognition of its significance, UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1981.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was established to preserve and control the Reef from overdevelopment. The Great Barrier Reef sections were created to make the vast reef system more manageable and these stretch the full length of the reef.

Just a Few Metres Beneath The Coral Sea

Great Barrier Reef is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Australia and in many cases all this rich, colourful beauty is just a few metres below the surface. It is relatively easily accessible to novice divers and snorkelers and can be viewed from underwater viewing platforms, submersibles and glass bottomed boats.

Explore The Great Barrier Reef

If you want to explore The Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island, Cairns or Port Douglas are ideal locations. Jet Cats and ferries depart daily to large well appointed pontoons, which are moored along side the many reef systems. .

There are several ways to see the Great Barrier Reef which include scuba diving, Snorkelling, 'Mini Submarine, on board viewing galleries and even by helicopter. Helicopter tours operate frequently and probably give the best view of the majestic Great Barrier Reef.

Hayman, the 'jewel' of the Great Barrier Reef, is nestled in the spectacular Whitsunday Islands, off the coast of northern Queensland. Hayman has been placed in the Top 3 Resorts and Hotels in the World in the internationally renowned Condé Žast Traveler's Readers Choice Awards for 1999. Hayman has also been named Best Resort Pacific Rim. Hayman is a resort like no other. Situated around a crescent-shaped, white, sandy bay on the south-western side, the resort is the only facility on the island. The buildings have been designed to blend in with the natural beauty of the surroundings. With its superb accommodation, restaurants and bars, gardens and pools, the resort fronts two stunning white coral beaches. No part of the resort is taller than four stories and most guest rooms, restaurants and other public areas are situated in two wings. Romance and pleasure await you on Hayman. At night, your private balcony becomes the setting for an intimate candlelight dinner. Enjoy superb service, fine food and music in any of Hayman's six outstanding international restaurants. You could search the world to find its flavours, but on Hayman we bring them all to you.

A magnificent range of flora, fauna and marine life is found in this beautiful environment, all of which is protected against damage or removal, as Hayman is part of a marine park. Beyond the beach lies a coral reef, 800 metres wide, which fronts the southern half of the island. The reef becomes exposed at low tide and is covered by up to 4 metres of water at high tide.

Abounding in lush, tropical growth, encircled with white sand and surrounded by coral reef and warm waters, this island will give you a holiday to remember long after you have left it.